Arsenal chief Gazidis criticises FA over 25,000 cup final allocation
ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis has criticised the Football Association’s ticket policy for the FA Cup final, calling it “not right”.
The Gunners and Hull City are set to receive 25,000 tickets each, as has become the norm, with the remaining 40,000 divided between Club Wembley box holders, who receive 17,000, and what is termed the football family – a network of more than 200 clubs, leagues, counties and charities.
“The balance in the FA’s allocation system is not right,” said Gazidis, who added the club would screen the final at Emirates Stadium. “Arsenal have 45,000 season ticket holders and 150,000 members, many of whom come to games. They all give us their loyal support throughout a season but there will be many disappointed Arsenal fans, who have supported the club home and away for years, who will be unable to get a ticket to this historic match.”
Manager Arsene Wenger insists his team can sustain a top-four push despite their 120-minute cup semi-final leaving them with 12 players injured or doubtful for tonight’s visit of West Ham. “We want to finish strong now,” he said. “We are getting players back and the squad is much stronger than it was two or three weeks ago.”
Captain Kevin Nolan, with a sore hamstring, is the only slight doubt for Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who has warned his team they are “not mathematically safe” yet.